The national control system of sealed radioactive sources in Hungary

All radioactive materials are under regulatory and administrative control in Hungary, with particular attention being given to sealed sources, these being one of the most hazardous categories. The special features associated with their application are: their relatively long lifetime, their likely use in uncontrolled areas - even unattended -, their incorporation in freely handled instruments, the fact that they can easily be mistaken for ordinary mechanical components, etc. The main features of the national control system are: (a) regulatory provisions for import/export control, licensing and inspection, (b) an itemized national accounting system from production to disposal, (c) technical capabilities for leak testing, recapsulation and safe disposal. These activities are backed by comprehensive legislation together with all the necessary facilities. (author). 1 fig., 1 tab